Austrian authorities raid British journalist Richard Medhurst's premises over his coverage on the alleged genocide in Gaza
Last week, independent journalist Richard Medhurst was detained by Austrian authorities following a police raid on his residence in Vienna. The detention, which lasted approximately six to seven hours, saw Medhurst fingerprinted, palm-printed, photographed, and had his DNA collected before being released.
The case has sparked concern among press freedom advocates, who warn that such actions pose a threat to journalistic integrity. Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders have spoken out against Medhurst's arrest under anti-terrorism measures. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued a joint statement condemning the arrest.
Medhurst's detention comes after his arrest at London's Heathrow Airport in August 2024 under Section 12 of the UK's Terrorism Act 2000. The Austrian warrant for his arrest mentions this incident as a means to bolster their case.
During the raid, all of Medhurst's electronic devices, including his journalistic tools, were confiscated. The Austrian authorities have also confiscated his devices, mirroring the actions taken during his UK arrest. Medhurst was asked for passwords to his devices by the Austrian authorities, but he refused, citing his ethical and professional obligation to protect his sources.
Medhurst has categorically denied the accusations, stating, "I am not a terrorist. I am a journalist, and they bloody well know it." He recounted that Austrian immigration authorities had summoned him under the pretext of an interview regarding his residency status. However, upon arrival, he was ambushed by a group of plainclothes agents and had his devices seized, including tools he repeatedly told them did not belong to him.
Some of the accusations against Medhurst by the Austrian authorities are similar to those made in the UK, leading him to believe that the cases may be coordinated. Medhurst has previously addressed the UN, focusing on Palestine and the UK's crackdown on free speech. His work has been critical of both the British and Austrian governments, which may have contributed to the allegations against him.
The case is expected to draw scrutiny from human rights organizations and international media watchdogs. Medhurst's detention under anti-terrorism legislation raises questions about the freedom of the press and the right to report on controversial topics without fear of reprisal.
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